Our New Look
Welcome to the new (and, we think, improved) Programming Librarian!
Not to worry — beyond looks, not too much has changed. Programming Librarian, a website run by ALA’s Public Programs Office, is still here to provide you with everything you need to share, learn and be inspired to present excellent library programming for your communities.
Apply Now: Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award
School librarians are invited to apply for a $5,000 award recognizing outstanding humanities programming in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Previously for school libraries serving grades K-8, this year’s Jaffarian Award is the first to include eligibility for school libraries also serving grades 9-12.
Nominations for the 2024 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award will be accepted until May 1, 2024.
8 Things Librarians Should Know: Working with Juvenile Detention Facilities
Things were going well with Amelia Jenkins’ teen book club. Conversations were flowing, and the kids were getting more comfortable with each meeting. Jenkins found a short story perfect for group discussion, so she printed out copies. When she arrived at the book club, story printouts in hand and ready to get started, the packets were confiscated – the story would not be read that day. Why? Staples. Jenkins had stapled the packets together.
Moving Away From the Barrier of Program Registration While Keeping Free of Chaos
For many years, public libraries required phone or walk-in program registration to regulate the number of attendees and who to expect. It was a cumbersome process with no-shows and waiting lists, but it was a routine that had yet to be evaluated.
How Libraries Can Increase Community Economic Vitality
How can libraries make communities more economically vital?
Promoting Wellbeing
How can libraries make communities healthier?
Public Participation: How Libraries Support Civically Engaged Communities
How can libraries make communities more civically engaged?
Express Yourself
How can libraries build more creative communities?
How Libraries are Building Knowledgeable Communities
How can libraries make communities more knowledgeable?
Apply Now: Thinking Money for Kids Program Kits
Apply now for a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit, an all-in-one kit for children's financial education.
Building Social Capital in the Library
How can libraries make communities more connected?
Academic Libraries and Exhibitions
Academic librarians share how they engage the campus with the Americans and the Holocaust exhibit.
Sounding Off On Streaming
Yes, you can play (and in some cases stream) music during library programs. Here are some of your options.
Free DiY Exhibit From the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Libraries can apply to download a free DiY exhibit from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June celebrates the important contributions LGBTQIA people have made throughout history.
Misinformation Shouldn’t Stop Pride Programming
It didn’t take long for misinformation to hit this library's Pride programs – but that didn't stop them.